Capital celebrates flavourful cocktails trail

New Delhi, June 24 (IANS) When it comes to blended Scotch whisky, there are numerous cocktails one can go for, especially when there are world class mixers ready to serve you with their unique creations. Three of Delhi’s top bartenders greeted guests with their innovative mixes at a media event here organised by Diageo Reserve World Class — and to no surprise, all of those present relished the drinks.

Be it the lingering texture of Rahul Chettri’s aperitif Platinum Butterfly, the smoothness of Aman Dua’s Melow, or the tantalising Mouse Trap by Dilbar Singh Ravat — for one to take the flavourful trail through the cocktails was a one-of-a-kind experience, to say the least.

The evening, curated by the bartenders and hosted by Zbigniew Zapert, the brand ambassador of Diageo Reserve, was organised for media persons to celebrate the barmen’s signature drinks followed by Zapert’s Blue Label Old Fashion — a mix comprising 50ml Johnnie Walker Blue Label, 10ml of dark chocolate syrup, three dashes of Angostura bitters and a touch of orange zest.

In its seventh edition, the Diageo Reserve World Class 2015 will see India’s top 20 bartenders competing for the title of the India Bartender of the Year. The winner of the competition will be announced on Thursday in Mumbai.

The finalist will ultimately represent India to take on the world’s best bartenders at the seventh Global Diageo World Class competition to be held in Cape Town, South Africa in September.

The judges will include Zapert, Nicholas Ord, Will Thompson, Alex Sanchez and Bhavesh Somaya (Head of Luxury, United Spirits – a Diageo Group company).

The competition witnessed participation of 275 entrants from 100 outlets. Compared to last year, the competition witnessed an increase of 22 percent, reaffirming the popularity of the platform.

“The World Class competition is a unique platform to discover the next generation of bartending talent who set the latest trends in mixology and bring these to the best bars worldwide. It is an international celebration of the flair, creativity and skill of the bartender.

“Now, in its seventh year, the programme aims to educate and inspire talented bartenders to create exceptional cocktails, service and experiences, which are then brought to life for our consumers,” Somaya said in a statement.